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Derek Cha is an American entrepreneur who founded Sweet Frog in 2009.
Derek Cha | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States of America |
| Occupation | CEO |
| Known for | Founder of Sweet Frog |
| Spouse | Annah Kim |
Early life and career
editCha was born and raised in South Korea. At age 12, Cha and his family migrated to the United States. In 1985, Cha started two framing businesses named "Art and Frame Depot" and "Art and Frame Warehouse." He eventually grew both businesses into a large chain of 80 stores nationwide, generating between $5 million and $10 million a year in revenue.[1] By the year 2009, none of the original 80 stores remained open or were operating profitably. Six months later, Cha opted for a completely new venture - frozen yogurt.[2]
Founding of Sweet Frog
editIn 2009, Cha and his wife opened the first Sweet Frog in Short Pump, Virginia. Several months later on July 7, they opened their second store in Chesterfield, Virginia, which was even more successful than the first store. Their next stores were then opened in Chesterfield, Richmond, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Williamsburg, all located in Virginia.[3] The growth continued in 2011, as Sweet Frog opened 29 stores, and accelerated in 2012 as 113 more Sweet Frog stores opened, mostly located in the east coast states of Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. On April 17, 2012, at a time when Sweet Frog had 180 stores operating in the United States and a few foreign countries, Boxwood Capital Partners made a minority investment into Sweet Frog Enterprises, LLC,[4] the company that owns and operates Sweet Frog.[5]
Personal Life
editIn 2019, Cha was convicted of domestic battery against his wife.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Industry Leader for Professional Commercial Grade Candle Equipment". www.tradetag.com. Archived from the original on 2012-06-19. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ^ "Reinvention Reigns with Derek Cha". www.richmondmagazine.com. 3 August 2011.
- ^ "Q&A: Yogurt chain leapfrogs competition - Richmond BizSense". 9 May 2011. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
- ^ Yogurt, Sweet Frog. "sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt". www.sweetfrogyogurt.com. Archived from the original on 2013-06-20. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ^ "Venture Capital News: Sweet Frog Receives Growth Investment". www.vcnewsdaily.com. Archived from the original on 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
- ^ Carey, Julie; Chief • •, News4 Northern Virginia Bureau (2019-09-04). "Founder of Sweet Frog Yogurt Chain Convicted of Domestic Battery". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
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